The House of Mirth (2000) Movie Script
Mr Selden, what luck.
- Good luck?
- Yes.
I'm on my way to the Trenors'
at Bellomont
and I've missed the 3:15
to Rhineback.
There isn't another train
till half past five.
How nice of you to come to my rescue.
And what form should my rescue take?
Oh, almost any.
Shall we go over
to Sherry's for a cup of tea?
Mmm, I'm dying for a cup of tea
but isn't there a quieter place?
- I live near here.
- At the Benedick still?
Yes, on the top floor.
- Is it cool up there?
- Come up and see.
I'll take the risk.
Oh, how delicious to have
a place like this all to oneself.
Even women have enjoyed
the privileges of a flat.
Governesses, yes.
But not poor, marriageable girls.
I even knew a girl
who once lived in a flat.
If I could only do over
my aunt's drawing room
I should be a better woman.
Is it so very bad?
That shows how seldom you come there.
Why don't you come oftener?
When I do come, it's not to look
at Mrs Peniston's furniture.
Nonsense. You don't come at all.
And yet we get on so well
when we meet.
- Cream or lemon?
- Lemon.
Oh, I can't make you out.
Of course there
are men who dislike me
and others who are afraid of me.
They think I want to marry them.
But I don't think
that you dislike me.
And you can't possibly think
that I want to marry you.
No, I absolve you from that.
- Well, then?
- Perhaps that's the reason.
- The reason for what?
- You don't want to marry me.
Perhaps I don't regard that
as a strong inducement to go see you.
Dear Mr Selden, it is stupid of you
to be disingenuous.
And it isn't like you to be stupid.
I have been about too long.
People are getting tired of me.
They are beginning to say
that I ought to marry.
Isn't marriage
what you're all brought up for?
I suppose so.
So why not take the plunge
and have it over?
You collect, do you?
- First editions and things?
- Mmm-hmm.
And do you collect Americana?
No, that's rather out of my line.
And Americana are horribly dull
I suppose?
I should fancy so
except to the historian.
Yet they do fetch
such fabulous prices, don't they?
Only the very rich
can afford to buy them.
And you know that I am not rich.
But life is very expensive.
Do you mind not being rich enough?
And having to work -
do you mind that?
The work itself is not so bad.
I'm rather fond of the law.
But do you mind enough
to have to marry to escape it?
- God forbid.
- Ah, there is the difference.
A girl must, and a man if he chooses.
Perhaps you'll meet your
fate tonight at the Trenors'.
I thought you might be going there.
- Those big parties bore me.
- As they do me.
Then why go?
You forget
it's part of the business.
Good luck at Bellomont.
Miss Bart?
- Well, of all people.
- Oh, Mr Rosedale. How are you?
Been uptown doing a little shopping?
Yes. I came up to see my dressmaker.
I didn't know there were
any dressmakers at the Benedick.
- Oh, is that this building?
- Yes, I own it.
The name means 'confirmed bachelor'.
Hmm. I'm just
on my way to the Trenors'.
You must let me
take you to the station.
No, thank you.
You're very kind, but I wouldn't
think of troubling you.
Ah! Mr Gryce. It's you.
The seat next to me is empty.
Do take it.
I suppose you're going to Bellomont.
- Yes, for a week.
- A whole week? How delicious.
- And how is your Americana?
- I've got a few new things.
Your uncle had a fine collection
I believe.
Yes, he collected
for a number of years, but -
I must have this seat
next to you, Lily. Oh!
Oh, Mr Gryce. How do you do?
I came across from Mount Kisco
in the motor car.
Had to wait at Garrisons for an hour
without even a cigarette.
You haven't one left, have you, Lily?
What an absurd question, Bertha.
You don't smoke?
Since when have you given it up?
And you don't smoke either, Mr Gryce?
Ah. How stupid of me.
It was simply inhuman
of Pragg to go off now.
When I was in Tuxedo
I asked a lot of people down.
I've mislaid the list
and can't remember who's coming.
And this week is going to be
a failure, too.
Judy, as if anybody
is ever bored at Bellomont.
Everything has gone wrong.
And Bertha Dorset's furious with me.
She's furious with you? Why?
I told her Lawrence Selden
was coming, but then he wouldn't.
She unreasonably believes
it was my fault.
- I thought that was all over.
- Oh, so it is. On his side.
I'll call up Lawrence
to tell him he simply must come.
- Oh, don't.
- Do you dislike him so much?
Not at all! I like him.
Oh, I don't say
there's any real harm in Bertha
but she loves making people
miserable, mainly her husband.
Poor George.
But she is dangerous.
And you are not nasty.
And for getting what she wants
commend me to a nasty woman.
I thought you were so fond of Bertha.
Oh, I am, it's much safer
to be fond of dangerous people.
Did you know
his father made a fortune
inventing a device
which excludes fresh air from hotels?
- Who?
- Why to be sure, Percy Gryce.
But he's horribly shy
and easily shocked -
Say it. I've the reputation for
being on the hunt for a husband.
Lily, I asked him here
on purpose, for you.
Percy Gryce and I
are becoming very good friends.
You're quite sure you wouldn't
like me to call Lawrence Selden?
Quite sure.
I do enjoy the quiet.
- Don't you, Lily?
- Mmm.
I wish the men
would always stay away.
It's really much nicer without them.
Oh, you don't count, George.
One never talks to one's husband.
Wives never like their husbands
talking to other women.
Only if the women are slightly
too eligible, or divorced.
Wives may do as they wish.
Husbands are expected to be like
money - influential but silent.
If divorcees were more
acceptable, I might be tempted.
Gus! Oh, dear.
You see? I came after all.
Thank you for keeping me
from playing bridge, Mr Gryce.
Not at all.
I have no head for it
or the rules of betting.
I've been dragged into it in the past
and lost an appalling amount
of money.
Mr Gryce, I have shocked you.
Whilst I do not approve
of cards, I do approve of you.
I hope that means you
forgive me. For I am penitent.
- You'll go to church tomorrow?
- Yes.
- May I accompany you?
- Of course, Mr Gryce.
- Good night.
- Good night, Miss Bart.
Dear me, am I late?
- Late for what?
- Late for whom?
Perhaps you had
an earlier engagement?
Yes, I had.
Perhaps I am in the way, then?
Mr Selden is at your disposal.
I never interfere
with Mr Selden's engagements.
But I have no engagement
with Mr Selden.
My engagement was to go to church
and I'm afraid that the
carriages have left without me.
Have they left, do you know?
Yes. I heard them drive away
sometime since.
Then I shall have to walk.
It's too late to get there.
Well, I shall have the credit
for trying, at any rate.
You must be quite breathless.
How fast you walk. I thought
I'd never catch up with you.
But I've been sitting here
for nearly an hour!
- Waiting for me, I hope.
- Waiting to see if you'd come.
- Weren't you sure that I would?
- If I waited long enough.
But I only had a limited time
to give to the experience.
- Why limited?
- By my other engagement.
Ah, now I see why you were
getting up on your Americana.
That is why I was waiting for you.
To thank you for having
given me so many points.
You can hardly do justice to
the subject in so short a time.
Won't you devote the afternoon to it?
We'll take a walk, and you
can thank me at your leisure.
Let us sit here.
I've broken two engagements
for you today
and both of them with Percy Gryce.
How many have you broken for me?
None. My only engagement
at Bellomont was with you.
You really came to Bellomont
to see me?
- Of course I did.
- Why?
Because I always
like to see what you're doing.
You're such a wonderful spectacle.
Well, now that you are here
you can see the effect first-hand.
Oh, I don't flatter
myself that my coming here
has deflected your course
of action by a hair's breadth.
Oh, do give me one
I haven't smoked in days.
Why such unnatural abstinence?
Because it's not deemed becoming
in a jeune fille marier.
And at the present moment
I AM a jeune fille marier.
You must suppose me dull if you think
I never yield to impulse.
But I don't suppose that.
Your genius lies in converting
impulses into intentions.
My genius?
My genius would appear
to be my ability
to do the wrong thing
at the right time.
Or vice versa.
Is there any final test
of genius but success?
I certainly haven't succeeded.
But you will marry someone very rich.
What a miserable future
you foresee for me.
Haven't you seen it for yourself?
Of course.
But it seems so much darker
when you show it to me.
Why do you do this to me?
Why do you make the things
that I've chosen seem hateful to me
if you have nothing
to give me instead?
No, I have nothing
to give you instead.
If I had, it should be yours
you know that.
But you belittle me in being
so sure they are all I care for.
Isn't it natural I belittle
all that I can't offer you?
Do you want to marry me?
No, I don't.
But perhaps I should. If you did.
It would be a great risk.
I have never concealed how great.
- You are a coward.
- No.
It's you who are the coward.
Are you serious?
Why not? I took no risk in being so.
Why is it that when we meet we
always play this elaborate game?
It's getting late. Let us go down.
'I thought Mr Gryce
meant to stay all week.'
'He did mean to stay
that's the worst of it.'
'Lt shows that he's running away
from you
'that Bertha's done her work
and poisoned him.'
'What was it
Bertha really told Percy? '
'Don't ask me - horrors.
'All I can say is, Lily
that I can't make you out.'
'Oh, he's not completely lost
there are ways.'
'Whatever you do, do nothing.
'Oh, Lily, you'll never do
anything if you're not serious.'
- Out of spirits?
- I'm a little dull.
Is your last box of Doucet dresses
a failure
or did my wife rook you
for everything at bridge?
I have to give up Doucet dresses
and bridge.
I can't afford either any more.
And Judy thinks me a bore.
Fact is, she is angry with me.
Angry with you? Nonsense.
My wife's devoted to you.
Oh, she is my very best friend.
That is why I mind vexing her.
I want to make my peace with her.
She has her heart set
on my marrying money.
- A great deal of money.
- You don't mean Percy Gryce?
Good Lord, how could Judy
think you would do such a thing?
Sometimes I think a man
understands a woman's motives
better than her own sex does.
Good Lord
I could have told Judy that.
I wish you'd try to persuade Judy
to be civil to Rosedale.
I did some neat business
through him last week.
If she'd only ask him
to dine now and then
I could get almost anything
out of him.
He's going to be richer than us all
one of these days.
Would you do me a favour?
A very great favour?
Of course.
I don't mean to bore you
with all of this
but I am entirely dependent
upon my aunt.
And though she is very kind
she gives me no regular allowance.
I have a tiny income of my own
but it has been badly invested.
It seems to bring in
less and less each year.
And recently
I have lost money at cards.
I have paid off my debts
but I dare not tell my aunt.
I can no longer go on
living my present life.
And Percy Gryce?
I can't make that sort of marriage.
And so you gave him the sack.
That's why he left this morning.
If you will trust me
I can make you a handsome sum
without endangering your capital.
I am so ignorant about money matters
and I would be so grateful
to have a good advisor.
Leave it to me. I'll find a
solution.
Really, Lily, you're as
frivolous as your parents were -
I don't see why you got to Bellomont
if you don't remember
whom you saw there.
But there was no one new
just the usual throng.
- Was Mr Selden there?
- Yes, he came later.
And Mr Rosedale, was he there?
No, of course not. Why do you ask?
Oh, passing interest merely.
Mr Selden tells me that socially
Mr Rosedale is ubiquitous now.
Men like Rosedale, and their methods
of gaining fortunes
are at best questionable
at worst criminal.
To grow richer when people's
investments are shrinking
strikes me as being
in very bad taste.
But society still uses such men
if only obliquely.
If obliquity were a vice
we should all be tainted.
Only someone without family
could make such a vulgar remark.
Aunt Julia, you ARE my family.
Just as I thought -
I cannot teach the parlour maid
to draw the blinds down evenly.
- Will you see to it, Grace?
- Of course.
Jennings, we will take tea
in the upstairs sitting room.
Lily, you can read me the obituaries.
Oh, Aunt Julia
Grace does it so much better than me.
She can make even the most
insignificant death interesting.
I will see to the blinds.
Very well, you may join us later.
It's a Mrs Haffen, miss.
She won't say what she wants.
Do you want to see me?
I have something
you might like to see.
You have something belonging to me?
Not exactly.
I don't understand. If it
is not mine, then why are you here?
When I was working at the Benedick
I was in charge of cleaning
the gentlemen's rooms.
Most gentlemen are careful
about the letters they get -
burn them in winter
tear them into bits in summer.
But Mr Selden wasn't so particular.
I know nothing of these letters.
I have no idea
why you have brought them here.
To sell them.
I saw you coming out
of Mr Selden's rooms.
So I guessed they were
worth more to you than me.
"You promised we would
meet when George was next away.
"Although you've forbidden
me to come to you, I will.
"I cannot bear George near me.
"When he touches me I want
to scream. He is unbearable."
"My darling Lawrence
you are my consolation, my only joy.
"In you I find more freedom
and support than I have ever known.
"Your devoted Bertha."
What do you want me to pay you
for them?
One hundred and fifty.
- One hundred.
- I've got to live, too.
I have offered you all that I am
prepared to pay for the letters.
One hundred.
If you would forgive your enemy
first inflict a hurt on them.
Oh, Bertha. How could you
have been so indiscreet?
I now pronounce you
man and wife.
I've never seen you look more lovely.
Oh, Gus.
Lily, I've got a cheque for you.
Another dividend?
You have both Rosedale
and me to thank for it.
I've made you five thousand
on his tip, and re-invested four.
And there's promise
of another big rise.
Well, I can't thank you properly now.
I don't want thanks, I want you
to be nice to Rosedale and me.
I'd like to see you now and then.
Come to Bellomont.
I'll send the motor.
Really, you say
the most absurd things.
Besides, it's impossible.
My aunt's back, I must stay
with her for the rest of the season.
Mmm.
You must come see us
the next time you are in town.
Then you can tell me how
to better invest my small fortune.
This is luck.
I was wondering if I'd be able
to have a word with you.
I haven't recovered my self-respect
since you showed me
how poor my ambitions were.
On the contrary. I thought
I'd been the means of proving
they were more important
to you than anything else.
Lily. We thought you'd given us
the slip.
We've been hunting all over for you.
I'd like to invite you to my box
at the opera on opening night.
Gus has promised
to come to town on purpose.
He's a tremendous admirer of yours.
I fancy he'd go a lot farther
for the pleasure of seeing you.
The Trenors are my best friends.
I think we should all go a long
way to see one another.
How's your luck been going
lately on Wall Street?
I hear that Gus pulled off
a nice pile for you last month.
I had a little money to invest
Mr Trenor has been helping me.
I had a lucky turn.
Is that what you call it?
You've had a great many yourself
I believe.
Is that the latest creation
of that dressmaker at the Benedick?
If so, it's a great success.
Isn't it, Mr Selden?
That's nice of you.
It would be nicer still
if you'd get me a glass of lemonade.
Pleasure.
They met
at Bertha Dorset's
and have been devoted ever since.
The engagement
is to be announced next week.
They say it will be just the nicest
marriage possible.
One dull fortune marrying another.
Evie Van Osburgh
and Percy Gryce? Well, well.
Ladies and gentlemen
Miss Lily Bart, as "Summer"
by Watteau.
She's never looked so radiant.
I think I like her best
in that simple dress.
It makes her look like the real Lily.
The Lily I know.
The Lily WE know. She's herself
with a few people only.
She has it in her to become
whatever she's believed to be.
- We must think the best of her.
- I'll tell her that.
She always says you dislike her.
Well, Grace.
How was life at Richfield?
Quiet. Aunt Peniston
sees very little company.
I'm sure your being there
gave her much pleasure.
Yes, I am as reliable
as roast mutton.
But Aunt Julia is not alone
in preferring Lily's brilliance.
You should marry, Grace.
We should all marry, Mr Selden.
You never speak to me.
I'm never near you long enough.
You think hard things of me.
I think of you... at any rate.
Then why do we never see each other?
I have my law practice, and...
you're always surrounded by admirers.
There are no admirers
at my aunt's house.
Well... then -
perhaps I might take tea
with you at Mrs Peniston's next week?
Yes.
Come at four on Friday.
Then we can talk.
I've so much to say to you.
I need your help.
You promised me once you'd help me.
The only way I can help you...
is by loving you.
Love me...
but don't tell me so.
I'd hate to miss the train.
- Selden, going too?
- Aren't you staying for supper?
No - when you can't get near anyone
you wish to speak to
I'd sooner do without.
My wife was right to stay away.
She says life is too short
to spend it breaking new people in.
Thank you.
Lily and Gus Trenor, you say?
- Aunt Peniston, I don't mean...
- Then what do you mean, Grace?
Do people say he's in love with her?
People always say unpleasant things.
It is a pity, though, that Lily
makes herself so conspicuous.
Conspicuous? Does he mean
to divorce then marry her?
No, it's...
It's a flirtation, nothing more.
A flirtation? With a married man?
Such things were never heard of
in my day.
Look here, Lily. Judy and I
have been in town for weeks.
- When am I going to see you?
- You can find me at my aunt's.
Come see me there
and we can have a quiet talk.
You said that
at the Van Osburgh wedding.
Now that you've got what you
wanted, you'd rather not see me.
Don't be foolish. If you want
to see me, come to my aunt's.
What else is being said?
That Gus Trenor pays her bills.
Rubbish. Lily has her own income.
And I provide for her
very handsomely.
There are her gambling debts.
- What do you mean?
- She plays bridge.
Who told you that my niece
plays cards for money?
Mrs Gryce told me herself Lily's
gambling debts frightened Percy.
In fact people are inclined
to excuse her on that account.
To excuse her for what?
For accepting the attentions of men
like Gus Trenor.
Thank you for telling me, Grace.
But this unwelcome information
has ruined the Mozart for me.
Lily, let's leave
before the first act starts.
Judy's cross when she's away
from Bellomont -
- Come to the house now.
- Is Judy unwell?
Well, a visit from you
might be just what's needed.
Very well, Gus
I shall come with you.
Doesn't it appear we're waiting
for the body to be brought down?
Where's Judy?
The fact is
she's not up to seeing anybody.
Do you mean to say
she's not well enough to see me?
Devil of a headache.
Quite knocked out by it.
In that case, will you have
the goodness to call me a cab?
Why must you go?
It is late and we are alone.
I must insist.
It's always the same old story.
You can't give me five minutes
but are charming to others.
I only went to that damned
stupid opera to be with you.
I must insist that you call me a cab.
Suppose I won't? What then?
If you force me I shall go upstairs
to Judy.
Sit down. I've got a word
to say to you.
If you have anything to say
to me, it must be at another time.
I'll go upstairs to Judy
unless you call me a cab at once.
Go upstairs. Judy isn't there.
Do you mean to say
that Judy is not in this house?
- She isn't even in town.
- I don't believe you.
My wife is still at Bellomont.
- She would have telephoned.
- She did.
- I received no message.
- I didn't send any.
How dare you compromise me
in this way!
Don't take that high tone with me.
I've been patient enough.
The man who pays for the dinner
is allowed a seat at the table.
I don't know what you mean.
I didn't begin this business.
Kept out of the way.
But I can see
when I'm being made a fool of.
Now you've got what you wanted
Gus isn't needed any more.
Well that isn't playing fair, Lily.
You're dodging the rules of the
game, and now you've got to pay.
Do you mean to say
that I owe you money?
You told me that it was all right!
It was all right, is all right.
You're welcome to all of it.
I just want to be thanked a little.
I have thanked you!
Or do you wish for payment in kind?
No!
If I owe you money, I shall pay you!
You owe me nine thousand dollars.
Nine thousand?
I will pay you.
I suppose you'll go
to Selden or Rosedale for it.
Unless you've settled
those scores already
and I'm the only one
left out in the cold.
What more do you have to say to me?
Go home.
Come here, Lily.
I wish to speak with you.
Aunt Julia, it is very late
and I am very tired.
I must insist, Lily.
You're a bad colour, Lily.
This incessant rushing about
is beginning to tell on you.
I don't think it's that.
I've had other worries.
Ah.
The fact is, I owe some money.
I... I have been foolish.
There are bills, not tradesmen
that are pressing.
I paid your dressmaker's
bill for you last October.
But if you owe Madame Celeste
another thousand dollars
she may send me your account.
I owe a good deal more
than a thousand dollars.
A good deal more?
To whom? Do I know these people?
Some by name
others by reputation.
Then they are of no consequence.
These debts that I speak of
are different.
The fact is, I've been playing
cards a good deal.
It's true, then.
You play cards for money.
Do you play on Sundays?
You are hard on me, Aunt Julia.
I've never really liked cards
and one hates to seem priggish
and one drifts into doing
what others do.
I have had a dreadful lesson.
If you help me out this time
I promise -
You need make any promises.
It's unnecessary.
I offered you a home, I didn't
undertake to pay gambling debts.
You don't mean to say
that you won't help me?
I'll not give the impression
I countenance your behaviour.
Aunt Julia, I will be disgraced!
I consider
that you ARE disgraced, Lily.
And now I must ask you to leave me.
This scene has been
extremely painful to me
and I have my own health to consider.
Tell Jennings I'll see no one
until tomorrow afternoon.
- And then only Grace Stepney.
- Grace!
Yes, Aunt Julia.
I don't care.
I couldn't go to my room.
I hate it so.
Lily, what has happened?
Can't you tell me?
I thought that I could manage
my own life
but I have been foolish, Grace.
Foolish to the point
of being compromised.
By whom? Mr Selden?
No, not Mr Selden.
I have been careless
and imprudent about money.
I am frightened to think what I owe.
Grace, you know Lawrence.
If I asked him to help me
told him why
would he loathe me
if I told him everything?
No, you must not do that.
He is like other men.
They have minds like moral flypaper.
They can forgive a woman
almost anything
except the loss of her good name.
If you wish to keep
your reputation intact, Lily
tell him nothing.
But he must have spoken to you
about me.
What does he really think of me?
We have never discussed you, Lily.
I have no idea what Mr Selden thinks.
But I must trust in his good faith.
I will write to him
and ask him to come.
- Good night, Grace.
- Good night, Lily.
Lawrence!
Lawrence!
Jennings, is my aunt downstairs?
No, Miss Bart.
Mrs Peniston left for Richfield
early today, with Miss Stepney.
Oh. Thank you.
Would you have this sent at once
to Mr Selden at the Benedick?
Yes, miss.
Serve tea at four in the sitting
room and show Mr Selden in.
- Yes, Miss Bart.
- Thank you.
Mr Rosedale.
Pretty well done.
Yes, very well done.
Why do you put up this kind of bluff?
Why aren't you straight with me?
I know that there have been
times when you've been worried.
A girl like you
shouldn't have worries.
You are quite right, Mr Rosedale.
I have had worries.
I have been careless about money.
I'm offering you the chance
to turn your back on those forever.
I know you're not in love with me.
You're not even fond of me. Yet.
I am very much flattered
by your offer.
But I should be selfish
and ungrateful
if the reason for accepting
your generosity was financial.
Miss Bart, I generally
get what I want in life.
I've attained a social position
and I have the means to maintain it.
Now all I want is the woman
the right woman
to share both with me.
Now I know you have a fondness
for luxury and amusement
and to not have to settle for it.
I can provide the style
and the means of settling.
You are mistaken
on one point, Mr Rosedale.
Whatever I enjoy
I am prepared to pay for.
I have spoken too plainly.
I didn't mean to give offence.
You must give me time
to consider your kindness.
Goodbye, Miss Bart.
You will consider my proposal?
Of course.
Yes?
'Are you alone, Lily? '
Yes, quite alone, Bertha.
Everyone has gone away.
My aunt to Richfield
everyone else to Europe.
'Except Lawrence Selden
who's gone to London.'
How unsophisticated of him.
'Will you join us
on a cruise to the Mediterranean? '
Well, I'm not sure that I'm able to.
'You'll be doing me a service
you're so attentive to George
'listening to his old stories.
'You alone have the fortitude
to take interest.'
Nonsense, George can be charming.
'Good. You'll come, then? '
Yes, it'll be delightful. Goodbye.
- Mr Selden.
- Mrs Fisher.
Do join us.
What brings you to Monte Carlo?
I finished my business in London
so I decided to come and renew
my objective interest in life.
You are not so removed
from being manipulated
by the strings of society
as one might think.
Mrs Fisher, none of us are.
We're starving to death because
we can't decide where to lunch.
Of course one gets the best things
at 'The Terrasse'
but all the Americans go there now.
I do believe the Dorsets are back.
It's their yacht -
The Sabrina. Oh yes.
"Je fais souvent
ce rve trange et pntrant
"d'une femme inconnue
et que j'aime, et qui m'aime
"et qui n'est, chaque fois
ni tout fait la mme.
"Ni tout fait une autre
et m'aime et me comprend
"car elle me comprend
et mon coeur, transparent.
"Pour elle seule, hlas!
Cesse d'tre un problme
"pour elle seule, et les
moiteurs de mon front blme.
"Elle seule les sait rafrachir
en pleurant.
"Est-elle brune, blonde
ou rousse? Je I'ignore..."
He's reading Verlaine to her now.
In French!
Well
what's the use of mincing matters?
We all know what Bertha
brought Lily abroad for.
The Silverton affair
is at the acute stage.
It's necessary that George
be distracted, surely Lily does it.
A clever woman would know
just when to play her cards right
but Lily's never been very clever
in that way.
I do hope there hasn't been a row.
Where the devil are they?
Bertha! Bertha!
How was London, Mr Selden?
More agreeable than New York?
In some ways, yes. Nevertheless
I stopped over to see you.
To see me? Or to see an older friend?
I beg you to leave the yacht.
To leave? What do you mean?
What has happened?
Nothing. But if something should
why be in the way of it?
How would you think
that I would leave Bertha?
You have yourself to think of
you know.
Nothing will happen.
Of course not. I'm sure.
- Have you seen Bertha?
- No, is she not up yet?
Not up yet! Has she gone to bed?
Do you know what time
she came aboard this morning?
- At seven!
- Seven? Was there an accident?
There was no accident.
I waited for them all night.
Why didn't you call me
to share your vigil?
You would not have cared
for the denouement.
The denouement? Isn't that too
big a word for a small incident?
DON'T!
Don't.
I only want to help you.
You do so by being sweet
and patient with me
but you can't want
to see me ridiculous.
If it hadn't been for you
I'd have ended it long ago.
- I'll go to see Selden.
- No!
- No.
- Why not?
One lawyer will do
just as well as another.
Very well, go and see Mr Selden then.
You should have time before dinner.
I suppose I ought
to say good morning.
I tried to see you
but you weren't up.
No, I got to bed late.
After we separated during the fte
we thought we should wait
but we missed you.
You missed us?
But I thought you didn't return
until this morning?
- Who told you that?
- George.
Is that his version?
Poor George.
He's had one of his attacks again.
It is very bad for him to be worried.
Whenever anything upsetting happens
it brings on an attack.
Anything 'upsetting'?
Yes. Such as having you
on his hands during the small hours.
You know, my dear
you're rather a responsibility
in such a scandalous place
after midnight.
Well, really, considering
you left him the responsibility.
A married man shouldn't be seen alone
with a single woman.
Yes, we were alone.
Is that so dreadful?
After all, we lost you
as much as you mislaid us.
Oh, so now it is my fault
for not having the cleverness
to find you in that dreadful crowd?
Or the imagination to believe
that you wouldn't wait for us
on the quay until we met you?
No, simply by us all
keeping together!
Keeping together?
You are not a child
to be led by the hand.
Nor to be lectured, Bertha.
Lecture you?
Heaven forbid.
I was merely trying
to give you a friendly hint.
But usually
it's the other way around, isn't it?
I'm expected to take hints
not to give them.
Hints? From me to you?
Negative ones merely.
What not to be, or to do, or to see.
But my dear
if you will let me say so
I didn't understand
that one of my negative duties
was not to warn you when you
carried your imprudence too far.
- Did you see George today?
- Yes.
Well? What happened?
What will happen?
Nothing, as yet. And nothing
in the future, I think.
You're sure?
I'm not sure, but I'm
a good deal surer. No, thank you.
Assume everything is as usual.
Before I go
I want to leave you the Brys.
It is charming of you to remember me.
You mean you've snubbed them
and you know they know it.
Carry!
If you'd had them invited
to The Sabrina once.
Especially when royalty was coming.
Stay over and I'll get the Duchess
to dine with them.
I shan't stay over.
The Gormers have paid
for my salon-lit, I leave tonight.
But get the Duchess
to dine with them all the same.
They'd be much obliged.
Do you sing? Really?
Come on, Lily, if you're going back
to the yacht.
Miss Bart is not returning
to the yacht.
Bertha...
Miss Bart, there has been
some misunderstanding.
Some mistake.
Miss Bart remains here.
And I think we had better not
detain our guests any longer.
I have some business to attend to
and it is easier for me
to remain ashore for the night.
Mr Selden, you promised
to see me to my cab.
Do you know of a quiet hotel?
That you can go to alone? Lmpossible.
- There must be someone.
- At this hour?
- If you had only listened!
- Not now.
You must go immediately
to the Stepneys'.
You mustn't ask me to.
You don't know Gwen.
Come, you must appear
to have gone there directly.
- What if she refuses?
- She won't. Trust me.
"I, Julia Grace Peniston
"being of sound mind and body
"declare this
to be my last will and testament
"hereby revoking
and declaring utterly void
"all wills and clauses
of wills heretofore made by me.
"It is my will and desire that
after my death
"all my just debts to whomsoever
"shall be paid by my executives
herein after named.
"Second, it is my will and desire..."
'Lily will get everything
of course.'
'Aunt Julia
was always a just woman.'
'Well, it's only
about four hundred thousand.'
"...Eight, and to my niece
Miss Lily Bart
"I bequeath the sum
of ten thousand dollars.
"Nine, and the residue of my estate
"I bequeath to my dear niece
and namesake, Grace Julia Stepney.
"Given under my hand and seal
22nd of May, 1906."
My dear Grace... I am so glad.
- What sweet shall we have?
- Lily!
My dear, you wouldn't
have the head waiter see
I've nothing to live on
but Aunt Julia's legacy?
Think of Bertha Dorset's satisfaction
to find us lunching
on cold mutton and tea.
I was horrid to you
in Monte Carlo, Lily.
I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself.
I've wanted to tell you ever since -
that's the truth.
Well, what is truth?
Where a woman is concerned, it's
a story that's easiest to believe.
If I'd gotten the money
no one would dare ignore me.
If they did, it wouldn't matter
I'd be independent of them.
Oh, Lily. It's so unjust.
Grace must feel she has
no right to that inheritance.
Anyone who could please Aunt Julia
has a right to her money.
- But she was devoted to you.
- Be honest, Carry.
She disapproved
of my going with the Dorsets
and she heard of my break with them.
After all, Bertha did turn me off
the yacht.
I must know where I stand, Carry.
I must know what is being said of me.
I don't listen.
One hears such things
without listening.
- Good afternoon, Mrs Fisher.
- Carry, how delightful to see you.
- How delightful, Judy.
- Oh... Lily.
What a pleasure
it is to see you.
- Gus!
- Miss Bart.
I must see the head waiter, Judy.
Where Judy leads
all the world will follow.
Not your real friends.
Meanwhile, what do you say
to putting a few things in a trunk
and spending the summer
with me and the Gormers?
To take me out
of my FRIENDS' way, you mean?
To keep you away till they
see how much they miss you.
Besides, the Gormers have taken
a tremendous fancy to you.
Oh, I know they're not quite
your set, a social Coney Island
but anyone is welcome who makes
noise and doesn't put on airs.
Yes, I shall come.
Well, what shall it be?
Coup Jacques or pches la melba?
The more I think of getting you here
the better I like it.
More noise, more colour
more slap-dash sociability.
But greater good nature, too.
Less rivalry.
Yes, it's true.
Soon everybody will be leaving
for Newport and Bar Harbor
and Long Island.
And me to a hotel
in broiling New York.
Lily, you must marry.
As soon as you can.
Do you mean to recommend me
to a good man's love?
No, I don't think either of
my candidates fit that description.
Either? There are actually two?
Well, perhaps I ought
to say one and a half.
Other things being equal, I think
I should prefer half a husband.
- Who is he?
- George Dorset.
- Oh!
- Wait till you hear my reasons.
Since leaving Europe
things have been going badly.
Bertha has tested
even George's credulity.
They're at home now
but I think the end will come soon.
The end will never come.
Bertha will always get him back
exactly when she wants him.
Oh, Lily. He wouldn't stay
with her ten minutes if he knew.
Knew?
If he had positive proof, I mean.
Please, Carry, let us drop
the subject. It's too odious to me.
And the second candidate?
We mustn't forget him.
Sim Rosedale.
I think, Carry
I should like to go for a walk.
Miss Bart.
I've been hoping to meet you.
I should have written if I'd dared.
- I wanted to apologise.
- Don't let us speak of it.
- I was very sorry for you.
- You must let me explain.
- I was deceived.
- I am more sorry for you, then.
But you must see that
I am not exactly the person
with whom this subject
can be discussed.
Why not? It's you of all people
I owe an explanation to.
No explanation is necessary.
The situation was
perfectly clear to me.
Miss Bart, don't turn away from me.
You must understand that
after everything that happened
we cannot be friends again.
Wasn't I punished enough at the time?
Is there to be no respite?
I should have thought
you had complete respite
in the reconciliation
which was affected at my expense.
Don't put it that way.
All I ask you to understand
is that...
after the use that Bertha made of me
after all that her behaviour
has since implied
it is impossible
that you and I should meet.
Please help me.
I am sorry.
There is nothing I can do.
You must have other friends
other advisors.
I never had a friend like you.
Besides, you're the only person
who knows.
After all
you were there in Monte Carlo.
You are mistaken.
I saw nothing.
I know nothing.
Just say what you know and the way
will be clear for us both.
I know nothing.
You're sacrificing both of us.
I know nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Who's gonna get you?
Come along. You ought to be in bed.
Yes, Mother.
- Good night, Miss Bart.
- Good night, Edith.
Where are the others?
I am your only fellow guest
Miss Lily.
I think Carry
was trying to be subtle.
- You look tired.
- I've been sleeping badly.
In fact, I came especially
to see you. On a delicate matter.
I hope you can believe that.
Thank you, Mr Rosedale
I do believe what you say.
And I am ready to marry you
whenever you wish.
- But, Miss Lily...
- For I suppose you do wish it.
And though I was unable
to consent when last we spoke
I am ready, now that
I know you so much better
to entrust my happiness
to your hands.
My dear Miss Lily
it seemed my suit was so hopeless
that I really had no intention
of renewing it.
I have no one to blame but myself
if I gave you the impression
that my decision was final.
Before we bid each other goodbye
I want to thank you for once
having thought of me as you did.
Why do you talk of saying goodbye?
Can't we still be good friends
all the same?
What is your idea
of being good friends?
Seeing me without asking me
to marry you?
Well, that's about the size of it.
I like your frankness
but I'm afraid our friendship
cannot continue on those terms.
Miss Lily, what I mean...
Is that I'm not as desirable
a match as once you thought me.
Yes, that's what I do mean.
I don't believe the stories about you
but that won't alter the situation.
If they're untrue
doesn't that alter it?
You know as well as I do
last year you wouldn't look at me.
Now you appear willing to do so.
What's changed in the interval?
Your situation.
Then, you thought
you could do better.
You think you can?
Yes, I do. I've done very well.
Wall Street is under obligations
that only 5th Avenue can repay.
I know the quickest way to queer
oneself with the right people
is to be seen with the wrong ones.
- I want to avoid mistakes.
- I understand.
Goodbye, Mr Rosedale.
Why don't you use
those letters of hers?
Don't ask me how I know
you bought them. I know.
And I don't suppose
you bought those letters
simply because you
wanted to collect autographs.
You see, I know where you stand.
You have Bertha in your power.
You wish to be rehabilitated
socially
AND you have the means
of your redemption.
In a deal like this, nobody comes
out with perfectly clean hands.
If you're going to fight Bertha
don't inflict an open injury.
Reduce it to a private transaction.
- Give and take, you mean?
- Yes.
- As in business.
- Or politics.
You see how simple it is?
There's no point
frightening Bertha into line.
You have to keep her there.
That's my part of the business.
That's what I'm offering you.
To reconcile with Bertha
and then you will marry me?
What do you say, Miss Lily?
You are mistaken in the facts
and what you infer from them!
Well, I'll be damned.
I suppose it's because
the letters are to him?
I thought we understood each other?
We do now.
Come in.
It's such a blessing
to have a quiet few weeks here.
Thank you for inviting me here
Carry.
- I do love it in Tuxedo.
- Yes.
It's a pleasant house.
One of my few treasured possessions.
How are the Brys?
Louisa Bry is a stern taskmaster.
Love making people jealous
is nothing to social ambition.
By the way, I had a visit
from Mattie Gormer the other day.
She was with Bertha Dorset
of all people.
No doubt the rabbit always thinks
it is fascinating the anaconda.
Now they're fast friends, Mattie
will sacrifice anything for her.
Including me?
My dear...
the world is vile.
- Lily.
- Mrs Hatch, I'm not dressed!
It doesn't matter. This is the
20th century, not the dark ages.
Eat, then come to my rooms.
We must go through my schedule.
I'm leaving in 20 minutes
so please be quick.
I cannot find my
prescription. Do you have it?
You usually leave them
on your bureau, Mrs Hatch.
Of course. Get it filled
for me today, Lily.
Without chloral at night
I never sleep.
And I have to see my beauty
doctor today to face society.
The manicure will have to wait
until tomorrow, put her off.
Don't look sour, Lily
she won't mind. She never minds.
After lunch, it's Sherry's for tea.
This evening is bridge
with my lawyer. Eight, I think.
I'll go for my fitting tomorrow
but the exhibition is at four.
Then supper... No, the theatre first
and then supper.
With so many changes, how shall
I keep your diary accurately?
Engagements are made to be broken
especially with tradespeople.
- They expect it.
- Yes, Mrs Hatch.
Friday I'm dining with Melville
Stancy and, er... the Gormers.
Yes, Mrs Hatch.
Don't forget my prescription, Lily.
It's on the bureau.
Mrs Fisher was anxious to know
how you were getting on.
Why didn't she look me up
herself, then?
She was afraid of being importunate.
You see, no such scruples
restrained me.
Then you have come
to be of some use to me?
- Yes.
- So what am I to do with you?
You could talk things over with me.
What makes you think
that I have anything to talk about?
My initiative doesn't go beyond
putting myself at your disposal.
I shouldn't have come if
I had thought I could be of no use.
- Do you know where you are?
- Of course I know where I am!
You must let me
take you away from here.
If you've come to speak
disagreeably about Mrs Hatch...
It's your relationship
that concerns me.
That relationship is one that
I have no reason to be ashamed of!
She has helped me when old friends
were content to see me starve.
Nonsense! Starvation
is not the only alternative.
I know your aunt's legacy
could make you independent.
What you don't know is that
I owe every penny of that legacy!
Good God.
Every penny, and more besides.
I have no money
except my small income
and I need to earn money
in order to keep myself alive.
I should be happier to see you out
of this particular employment.
But I should not.
I simply wish to point out the false
position you have placed yourself in.
I suppose by that you mean
my being on the outside of society.
But I have long been excluded
from it.
You once said only the insiders
took the difference seriously.
Mrs Hatch's desire to be inside
may put you in the position
I call false.
You cannot want this!
You've already told me
the sole object of my upbringing
was to teach me to get what I want.
Now, why not assume that that is
precisely what I am doing now?
I have never thought of you
as a successful example
of that kind of upbringing.
Well, give me more time.
I may still do credit to my training.
That was undignified.
Where does dignity end
and rectitude begin?
- Good day, Miss Bart.
- Good day, Mr Selden.
She got five dollars
and her picture in the paper.
The hat? She got that yesterday.
The one with the green paradise.
It'll be ready right off.
Madame asked me
to alter that Virot hat.
You know, she's tall, slight
but her hair's all frizzed out.
A lot like Mary Leach. Only thinner.
Miss Bart.
Look at these spangles.
Every one of 'em sewed on crooked.
I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm not well.
If you can't do better
I'll give the hat to Miss Kilroy.
Go back to binding edges.
Miss Bart.
I must draw your attention
to the fact
that your work is poor
and your attendance irregular.
Miss Haines is right.
I am clumsy and slow to learn.
I have been indisposed lately.
But I will try to improve.
It's too late for that - I took you
on as a favour to Mrs Fisher
but against my better judgement.
As the season is nearly over I
have to dispense with your services.
I trust you'll find a position
more suited to your skills.
Thank you.
How are you, Grace?
Her memory is everywhere.
The whole house.
And you, Lily? How are you?
You look dreadfully tired.
I don't sleep at night.
Since when?
I don't...
I can't remember.
There are other worries.
Dreadful things.
What things?
Poverty.
I can't think
of anything worse, can you?
I can't go on this way much longer.
Do you have any idea
when the legacies will be paid?
No, Lily.
No one has received them yet.
Not even me.
The truth is, I need money, Grace.
Would you be willing to lend me
the amount of my legacy?
You must be patient.
Remember how beautifully patient
Aunt Julia always was.
But you will get everything, Grace.
It would be so easy for you to borrow
ten times the amount I am asking for.
Borrow?
I am at the end of my tether.
You imagine for a moment
that I would raise money
upon my expectations from Aunt Julia?
Why, Lily
if you must know the truth
it was the idea of your being in debt
that brought on her last illness.
You won't help me, then?
If I can do anything to make you
realise the folly of your course...
and how deeply
she disapproved of it...
I shall feel it's the truest way
of making up to you for her loss.
Thank you, Grace.
It was good of you to see me.
Goodbye.
Can I help?
Mrs Hatch?
You mustn't increase
the dose, Mrs Hatch.
Of course not.
Miss Lily?
What's the matter?
I'm a little tired. It's nothing.
Stay with me a moment, please.
We can't stay here. Let me take
you to the Longworth for some tea.
Take your tea strong.
I haven't seen you in ages.
I-I wondered what had become of you.
I have joined the working classes.
I was trying to learn
to become a milliner.
- You can't be serious.
- Perfectly serious.
I understood that
you were with Mrs Hatch.
She dismissed me two months ago.
After she gotten into society
it seems my reputation had become
a social liability.
Since then I have been
obliged to work for my living.
Well, that wasn't for you anyhow.
- I must go.
- No, no. Rest a little longer.
What did you mean when you said
you were becoming a milliner?
Just what I said. I am an apprentice
at Madame Regina's.
I was an apprentice
at Madame Regina's.
But I understood that you had
received a legacy from your aunt.
Ten thousand dollars.
But it isn't paid until spring
and anyway, I owe it already.
- The whole ten thousand?
- Every penny.
I think Gus Trenor spoke to you once
about having made me some money
in stocks.
He made me
about nine thousand dollars.
I knew nothing about business.
I thought that he had invested
my own money.
In fact, what he had made
he had given me.
It was meant in kindness
but it was not the sort of
obligation I could remain under.
I was incredibly stupid.
I spent the money
before I realised my mistake.
And so my aunt's legacy
must go to pay it back.
That is why... That is why
I must now work.
That will clean you out altogether.
Altogether. Yes.
Miss Lily, if you want my backing...
Thank you.
Your tea has been
a tremendous backing.
I feel equal to anything now.
- Surely this isn't the place?
- Yes, I room and board here.
I have lived too long on my friends.
You can't go on living here.
I have gone over my expenses
very carefully
and I rather think
that I shall be able to manage it.
- That's not what I mean.
- It is what I mean.
I shall be out of work now.
What a way for you to talk.
You, in a place like this.
My situation is nothing exceptional.
But you are!
It's an outrage.
Look here - it's none of my business
but you must accept help
from somebody.
You spoke to me
of your debt to Gus Trenor.
Well, I'll lend you the money
to pay him. Let me finish.
It'll be purely
a business arrangement.
How can you have
anything against that?
Only this - that is exactly
what Gus Trenor proposed.
Once the debt is paid
I shall have no security.
I have been compromised once
I cannot be so again.
I am very grateful for your kindness
but it is impossible.
You must see that.
We must try to think of your future.
If you only knew what
little difference that makes now.
At least let me tell Selden
where you're living.
- It will do no good.
- Please.
Very well.
You may tell him if you wish.
If only you would let me help you
you could wipe your feet on them.
'Why don't you use
the letters?
'Lt would be so simple.
'Lt IS so simple.'
Here today I will tell you
about the plight
of the poor people
of Russia under the Tsar!
Please inform Mrs Dorset that Miss
Lily Bart wishes to speak with her.
Mrs Dorset is not at home, Miss Bart.
Then I should like
to speak with Mr Dorset.
I'm sorry, but the Mr and Mrs Dorset
left for the country two days ago.
Oh.
Shall I take a message?
No. No message.
I can recommend the armchair.
I came to say that I am sorry
for the way we parted.
For what I said to you
that day at Mrs Hatch's.
I was sorry, too.
You look tired.
Do sit down.
Why, you're drenched.
Let me make you some tea.
No. I must go in a moment.
I must go.
I may not see you
again for a long time
and I wanted to tell you
that I have never forgotten
the things that you
said to me at Bellomont.
That they have helped keep me
from becoming the person
that many people thought me to be.
I'm glad. But nothing I have said
has made the difference.
The difference is in yourself.
No, don't say that.
That is all that I have lived on.
Don't take that from me.
We resist the great temptations
but it is the little ones
that eventually pull us down.
I remember your saying that
such a life could never satisfy me
and I was ashamed to admit
that it could.
That is what I wanted
to thank you for.
I have tried. I have tried hard.
But life is difficult
and I am a useless person.
And now I am on the rubbish heap.
Lily...
can I help you?
You told me once that you could
help me only by loving me.
Well, you did love me
for a moment, and it helped me.
But that moment is gone.
And I let it go.
And one must go on living.
Lily, you mustn't speak in this way.
Things may change, but...
you could never go out of my life.
Let us be friends.
Then I shall feel safe
whatever happens.
What do you mean?
What's going to happen?
Nothing. Nothing is going to happen.
But I should like some tea now.
Goodbye, Lawrence.
Ten thousand dollars.
Ten... thousand dollars.
Oh, Lily!
Lily.
Miss Bart?
It's a great mercy.
May I... May I see her... alone?
Will it take long?
It won't take long.
Lily.
Oh, Lily.
I love you.
- Good luck?
- Yes.
I'm on my way to the Trenors'
at Bellomont
and I've missed the 3:15
to Rhineback.
There isn't another train
till half past five.
How nice of you to come to my rescue.
And what form should my rescue take?
Oh, almost any.
Shall we go over
to Sherry's for a cup of tea?
Mmm, I'm dying for a cup of tea
but isn't there a quieter place?
- I live near here.
- At the Benedick still?
Yes, on the top floor.
- Is it cool up there?
- Come up and see.
I'll take the risk.
Oh, how delicious to have
a place like this all to oneself.
Even women have enjoyed
the privileges of a flat.
Governesses, yes.
But not poor, marriageable girls.
I even knew a girl
who once lived in a flat.
If I could only do over
my aunt's drawing room
I should be a better woman.
Is it so very bad?
That shows how seldom you come there.
Why don't you come oftener?
When I do come, it's not to look
at Mrs Peniston's furniture.
Nonsense. You don't come at all.
And yet we get on so well
when we meet.
- Cream or lemon?
- Lemon.
Oh, I can't make you out.
Of course there
are men who dislike me
and others who are afraid of me.
They think I want to marry them.
But I don't think
that you dislike me.
And you can't possibly think
that I want to marry you.
No, I absolve you from that.
- Well, then?
- Perhaps that's the reason.
- The reason for what?
- You don't want to marry me.
Perhaps I don't regard that
as a strong inducement to go see you.
Dear Mr Selden, it is stupid of you
to be disingenuous.
And it isn't like you to be stupid.
I have been about too long.
People are getting tired of me.
They are beginning to say
that I ought to marry.
Isn't marriage
what you're all brought up for?
I suppose so.
So why not take the plunge
and have it over?
You collect, do you?
- First editions and things?
- Mmm-hmm.
And do you collect Americana?
No, that's rather out of my line.
And Americana are horribly dull
I suppose?
I should fancy so
except to the historian.
Yet they do fetch
such fabulous prices, don't they?
Only the very rich
can afford to buy them.
And you know that I am not rich.
But life is very expensive.
Do you mind not being rich enough?
And having to work -
do you mind that?
The work itself is not so bad.
I'm rather fond of the law.
But do you mind enough
to have to marry to escape it?
- God forbid.
- Ah, there is the difference.
A girl must, and a man if he chooses.
Perhaps you'll meet your
fate tonight at the Trenors'.
I thought you might be going there.
- Those big parties bore me.
- As they do me.
Then why go?
You forget
it's part of the business.
Good luck at Bellomont.
Miss Bart?
- Well, of all people.
- Oh, Mr Rosedale. How are you?
Been uptown doing a little shopping?
Yes. I came up to see my dressmaker.
I didn't know there were
any dressmakers at the Benedick.
- Oh, is that this building?
- Yes, I own it.
The name means 'confirmed bachelor'.
Hmm. I'm just
on my way to the Trenors'.
You must let me
take you to the station.
No, thank you.
You're very kind, but I wouldn't
think of troubling you.
Ah! Mr Gryce. It's you.
The seat next to me is empty.
Do take it.
I suppose you're going to Bellomont.
- Yes, for a week.
- A whole week? How delicious.
- And how is your Americana?
- I've got a few new things.
Your uncle had a fine collection
I believe.
Yes, he collected
for a number of years, but -
I must have this seat
next to you, Lily. Oh!
Oh, Mr Gryce. How do you do?
I came across from Mount Kisco
in the motor car.
Had to wait at Garrisons for an hour
without even a cigarette.
You haven't one left, have you, Lily?
What an absurd question, Bertha.
You don't smoke?
Since when have you given it up?
And you don't smoke either, Mr Gryce?
Ah. How stupid of me.
It was simply inhuman
of Pragg to go off now.
When I was in Tuxedo
I asked a lot of people down.
I've mislaid the list
and can't remember who's coming.
And this week is going to be
a failure, too.
Judy, as if anybody
is ever bored at Bellomont.
Everything has gone wrong.
And Bertha Dorset's furious with me.
She's furious with you? Why?
I told her Lawrence Selden
was coming, but then he wouldn't.
She unreasonably believes
it was my fault.
- I thought that was all over.
- Oh, so it is. On his side.
I'll call up Lawrence
to tell him he simply must come.
- Oh, don't.
- Do you dislike him so much?
Not at all! I like him.
Oh, I don't say
there's any real harm in Bertha
but she loves making people
miserable, mainly her husband.
Poor George.
But she is dangerous.
And you are not nasty.
And for getting what she wants
commend me to a nasty woman.
I thought you were so fond of Bertha.
Oh, I am, it's much safer
to be fond of dangerous people.
Did you know
his father made a fortune
inventing a device
which excludes fresh air from hotels?
- Who?
- Why to be sure, Percy Gryce.
But he's horribly shy
and easily shocked -
Say it. I've the reputation for
being on the hunt for a husband.
Lily, I asked him here
on purpose, for you.
Percy Gryce and I
are becoming very good friends.
You're quite sure you wouldn't
like me to call Lawrence Selden?
Quite sure.
I do enjoy the quiet.
- Don't you, Lily?
- Mmm.
I wish the men
would always stay away.
It's really much nicer without them.
Oh, you don't count, George.
One never talks to one's husband.
Wives never like their husbands
talking to other women.
Only if the women are slightly
too eligible, or divorced.
Wives may do as they wish.
Husbands are expected to be like
money - influential but silent.
If divorcees were more
acceptable, I might be tempted.
Gus! Oh, dear.
You see? I came after all.
Thank you for keeping me
from playing bridge, Mr Gryce.
Not at all.
I have no head for it
or the rules of betting.
I've been dragged into it in the past
and lost an appalling amount
of money.
Mr Gryce, I have shocked you.
Whilst I do not approve
of cards, I do approve of you.
I hope that means you
forgive me. For I am penitent.
- You'll go to church tomorrow?
- Yes.
- May I accompany you?
- Of course, Mr Gryce.
- Good night.
- Good night, Miss Bart.
Dear me, am I late?
- Late for what?
- Late for whom?
Perhaps you had
an earlier engagement?
Yes, I had.
Perhaps I am in the way, then?
Mr Selden is at your disposal.
I never interfere
with Mr Selden's engagements.
But I have no engagement
with Mr Selden.
My engagement was to go to church
and I'm afraid that the
carriages have left without me.
Have they left, do you know?
Yes. I heard them drive away
sometime since.
Then I shall have to walk.
It's too late to get there.
Well, I shall have the credit
for trying, at any rate.
You must be quite breathless.
How fast you walk. I thought
I'd never catch up with you.
But I've been sitting here
for nearly an hour!
- Waiting for me, I hope.
- Waiting to see if you'd come.
- Weren't you sure that I would?
- If I waited long enough.
But I only had a limited time
to give to the experience.
- Why limited?
- By my other engagement.
Ah, now I see why you were
getting up on your Americana.
That is why I was waiting for you.
To thank you for having
given me so many points.
You can hardly do justice to
the subject in so short a time.
Won't you devote the afternoon to it?
We'll take a walk, and you
can thank me at your leisure.
Let us sit here.
I've broken two engagements
for you today
and both of them with Percy Gryce.
How many have you broken for me?
None. My only engagement
at Bellomont was with you.
You really came to Bellomont
to see me?
- Of course I did.
- Why?
Because I always
like to see what you're doing.
You're such a wonderful spectacle.
Well, now that you are here
you can see the effect first-hand.
Oh, I don't flatter
myself that my coming here
has deflected your course
of action by a hair's breadth.
Oh, do give me one
I haven't smoked in days.
Why such unnatural abstinence?
Because it's not deemed becoming
in a jeune fille marier.
And at the present moment
I AM a jeune fille marier.
You must suppose me dull if you think
I never yield to impulse.
But I don't suppose that.
Your genius lies in converting
impulses into intentions.
My genius?
My genius would appear
to be my ability
to do the wrong thing
at the right time.
Or vice versa.
Is there any final test
of genius but success?
I certainly haven't succeeded.
But you will marry someone very rich.
What a miserable future
you foresee for me.
Haven't you seen it for yourself?
Of course.
But it seems so much darker
when you show it to me.
Why do you do this to me?
Why do you make the things
that I've chosen seem hateful to me
if you have nothing
to give me instead?
No, I have nothing
to give you instead.
If I had, it should be yours
you know that.
But you belittle me in being
so sure they are all I care for.
Isn't it natural I belittle
all that I can't offer you?
Do you want to marry me?
No, I don't.
But perhaps I should. If you did.
It would be a great risk.
I have never concealed how great.
- You are a coward.
- No.
It's you who are the coward.
Are you serious?
Why not? I took no risk in being so.
Why is it that when we meet we
always play this elaborate game?
It's getting late. Let us go down.
'I thought Mr Gryce
meant to stay all week.'
'He did mean to stay
that's the worst of it.'
'Lt shows that he's running away
from you
'that Bertha's done her work
and poisoned him.'
'What was it
Bertha really told Percy? '
'Don't ask me - horrors.
'All I can say is, Lily
that I can't make you out.'
'Oh, he's not completely lost
there are ways.'
'Whatever you do, do nothing.
'Oh, Lily, you'll never do
anything if you're not serious.'
- Out of spirits?
- I'm a little dull.
Is your last box of Doucet dresses
a failure
or did my wife rook you
for everything at bridge?
I have to give up Doucet dresses
and bridge.
I can't afford either any more.
And Judy thinks me a bore.
Fact is, she is angry with me.
Angry with you? Nonsense.
My wife's devoted to you.
Oh, she is my very best friend.
That is why I mind vexing her.
I want to make my peace with her.
She has her heart set
on my marrying money.
- A great deal of money.
- You don't mean Percy Gryce?
Good Lord, how could Judy
think you would do such a thing?
Sometimes I think a man
understands a woman's motives
better than her own sex does.
Good Lord
I could have told Judy that.
I wish you'd try to persuade Judy
to be civil to Rosedale.
I did some neat business
through him last week.
If she'd only ask him
to dine now and then
I could get almost anything
out of him.
He's going to be richer than us all
one of these days.
Would you do me a favour?
A very great favour?
Of course.
I don't mean to bore you
with all of this
but I am entirely dependent
upon my aunt.
And though she is very kind
she gives me no regular allowance.
I have a tiny income of my own
but it has been badly invested.
It seems to bring in
less and less each year.
And recently
I have lost money at cards.
I have paid off my debts
but I dare not tell my aunt.
I can no longer go on
living my present life.
And Percy Gryce?
I can't make that sort of marriage.
And so you gave him the sack.
That's why he left this morning.
If you will trust me
I can make you a handsome sum
without endangering your capital.
I am so ignorant about money matters
and I would be so grateful
to have a good advisor.
Leave it to me. I'll find a
solution.
Really, Lily, you're as
frivolous as your parents were -
I don't see why you got to Bellomont
if you don't remember
whom you saw there.
But there was no one new
just the usual throng.
- Was Mr Selden there?
- Yes, he came later.
And Mr Rosedale, was he there?
No, of course not. Why do you ask?
Oh, passing interest merely.
Mr Selden tells me that socially
Mr Rosedale is ubiquitous now.
Men like Rosedale, and their methods
of gaining fortunes
are at best questionable
at worst criminal.
To grow richer when people's
investments are shrinking
strikes me as being
in very bad taste.
But society still uses such men
if only obliquely.
If obliquity were a vice
we should all be tainted.
Only someone without family
could make such a vulgar remark.
Aunt Julia, you ARE my family.
Just as I thought -
I cannot teach the parlour maid
to draw the blinds down evenly.
- Will you see to it, Grace?
- Of course.
Jennings, we will take tea
in the upstairs sitting room.
Lily, you can read me the obituaries.
Oh, Aunt Julia
Grace does it so much better than me.
She can make even the most
insignificant death interesting.
I will see to the blinds.
Very well, you may join us later.
It's a Mrs Haffen, miss.
She won't say what she wants.
Do you want to see me?
I have something
you might like to see.
You have something belonging to me?
Not exactly.
I don't understand. If it
is not mine, then why are you here?
When I was working at the Benedick
I was in charge of cleaning
the gentlemen's rooms.
Most gentlemen are careful
about the letters they get -
burn them in winter
tear them into bits in summer.
But Mr Selden wasn't so particular.
I know nothing of these letters.
I have no idea
why you have brought them here.
To sell them.
I saw you coming out
of Mr Selden's rooms.
So I guessed they were
worth more to you than me.
"You promised we would
meet when George was next away.
"Although you've forbidden
me to come to you, I will.
"I cannot bear George near me.
"When he touches me I want
to scream. He is unbearable."
"My darling Lawrence
you are my consolation, my only joy.
"In you I find more freedom
and support than I have ever known.
"Your devoted Bertha."
What do you want me to pay you
for them?
One hundred and fifty.
- One hundred.
- I've got to live, too.
I have offered you all that I am
prepared to pay for the letters.
One hundred.
If you would forgive your enemy
first inflict a hurt on them.
Oh, Bertha. How could you
have been so indiscreet?
I now pronounce you
man and wife.
I've never seen you look more lovely.
Oh, Gus.
Lily, I've got a cheque for you.
Another dividend?
You have both Rosedale
and me to thank for it.
I've made you five thousand
on his tip, and re-invested four.
And there's promise
of another big rise.
Well, I can't thank you properly now.
I don't want thanks, I want you
to be nice to Rosedale and me.
I'd like to see you now and then.
Come to Bellomont.
I'll send the motor.
Really, you say
the most absurd things.
Besides, it's impossible.
My aunt's back, I must stay
with her for the rest of the season.
Mmm.
You must come see us
the next time you are in town.
Then you can tell me how
to better invest my small fortune.
This is luck.
I was wondering if I'd be able
to have a word with you.
I haven't recovered my self-respect
since you showed me
how poor my ambitions were.
On the contrary. I thought
I'd been the means of proving
they were more important
to you than anything else.
Lily. We thought you'd given us
the slip.
We've been hunting all over for you.
I'd like to invite you to my box
at the opera on opening night.
Gus has promised
to come to town on purpose.
He's a tremendous admirer of yours.
I fancy he'd go a lot farther
for the pleasure of seeing you.
The Trenors are my best friends.
I think we should all go a long
way to see one another.
How's your luck been going
lately on Wall Street?
I hear that Gus pulled off
a nice pile for you last month.
I had a little money to invest
Mr Trenor has been helping me.
I had a lucky turn.
Is that what you call it?
You've had a great many yourself
I believe.
Is that the latest creation
of that dressmaker at the Benedick?
If so, it's a great success.
Isn't it, Mr Selden?
That's nice of you.
It would be nicer still
if you'd get me a glass of lemonade.
Pleasure.
They met
at Bertha Dorset's
and have been devoted ever since.
The engagement
is to be announced next week.
They say it will be just the nicest
marriage possible.
One dull fortune marrying another.
Evie Van Osburgh
and Percy Gryce? Well, well.
Ladies and gentlemen
Miss Lily Bart, as "Summer"
by Watteau.
She's never looked so radiant.
I think I like her best
in that simple dress.
It makes her look like the real Lily.
The Lily I know.
The Lily WE know. She's herself
with a few people only.
She has it in her to become
whatever she's believed to be.
- We must think the best of her.
- I'll tell her that.
She always says you dislike her.
Well, Grace.
How was life at Richfield?
Quiet. Aunt Peniston
sees very little company.
I'm sure your being there
gave her much pleasure.
Yes, I am as reliable
as roast mutton.
But Aunt Julia is not alone
in preferring Lily's brilliance.
You should marry, Grace.
We should all marry, Mr Selden.
You never speak to me.
I'm never near you long enough.
You think hard things of me.
I think of you... at any rate.
Then why do we never see each other?
I have my law practice, and...
you're always surrounded by admirers.
There are no admirers
at my aunt's house.
Well... then -
perhaps I might take tea
with you at Mrs Peniston's next week?
Yes.
Come at four on Friday.
Then we can talk.
I've so much to say to you.
I need your help.
You promised me once you'd help me.
The only way I can help you...
is by loving you.
Love me...
but don't tell me so.
I'd hate to miss the train.
- Selden, going too?
- Aren't you staying for supper?
No - when you can't get near anyone
you wish to speak to
I'd sooner do without.
My wife was right to stay away.
She says life is too short
to spend it breaking new people in.
Thank you.
Lily and Gus Trenor, you say?
- Aunt Peniston, I don't mean...
- Then what do you mean, Grace?
Do people say he's in love with her?
People always say unpleasant things.
It is a pity, though, that Lily
makes herself so conspicuous.
Conspicuous? Does he mean
to divorce then marry her?
No, it's...
It's a flirtation, nothing more.
A flirtation? With a married man?
Such things were never heard of
in my day.
Look here, Lily. Judy and I
have been in town for weeks.
- When am I going to see you?
- You can find me at my aunt's.
Come see me there
and we can have a quiet talk.
You said that
at the Van Osburgh wedding.
Now that you've got what you
wanted, you'd rather not see me.
Don't be foolish. If you want
to see me, come to my aunt's.
What else is being said?
That Gus Trenor pays her bills.
Rubbish. Lily has her own income.
And I provide for her
very handsomely.
There are her gambling debts.
- What do you mean?
- She plays bridge.
Who told you that my niece
plays cards for money?
Mrs Gryce told me herself Lily's
gambling debts frightened Percy.
In fact people are inclined
to excuse her on that account.
To excuse her for what?
For accepting the attentions of men
like Gus Trenor.
Thank you for telling me, Grace.
But this unwelcome information
has ruined the Mozart for me.
Lily, let's leave
before the first act starts.
Judy's cross when she's away
from Bellomont -
- Come to the house now.
- Is Judy unwell?
Well, a visit from you
might be just what's needed.
Very well, Gus
I shall come with you.
Doesn't it appear we're waiting
for the body to be brought down?
Where's Judy?
The fact is
she's not up to seeing anybody.
Do you mean to say
she's not well enough to see me?
Devil of a headache.
Quite knocked out by it.
In that case, will you have
the goodness to call me a cab?
Why must you go?
It is late and we are alone.
I must insist.
It's always the same old story.
You can't give me five minutes
but are charming to others.
I only went to that damned
stupid opera to be with you.
I must insist that you call me a cab.
Suppose I won't? What then?
If you force me I shall go upstairs
to Judy.
Sit down. I've got a word
to say to you.
If you have anything to say
to me, it must be at another time.
I'll go upstairs to Judy
unless you call me a cab at once.
Go upstairs. Judy isn't there.
Do you mean to say
that Judy is not in this house?
- She isn't even in town.
- I don't believe you.
My wife is still at Bellomont.
- She would have telephoned.
- She did.
- I received no message.
- I didn't send any.
How dare you compromise me
in this way!
Don't take that high tone with me.
I've been patient enough.
The man who pays for the dinner
is allowed a seat at the table.
I don't know what you mean.
I didn't begin this business.
Kept out of the way.
But I can see
when I'm being made a fool of.
Now you've got what you wanted
Gus isn't needed any more.
Well that isn't playing fair, Lily.
You're dodging the rules of the
game, and now you've got to pay.
Do you mean to say
that I owe you money?
You told me that it was all right!
It was all right, is all right.
You're welcome to all of it.
I just want to be thanked a little.
I have thanked you!
Or do you wish for payment in kind?
No!
If I owe you money, I shall pay you!
You owe me nine thousand dollars.
Nine thousand?
I will pay you.
I suppose you'll go
to Selden or Rosedale for it.
Unless you've settled
those scores already
and I'm the only one
left out in the cold.
What more do you have to say to me?
Go home.
Come here, Lily.
I wish to speak with you.
Aunt Julia, it is very late
and I am very tired.
I must insist, Lily.
You're a bad colour, Lily.
This incessant rushing about
is beginning to tell on you.
I don't think it's that.
I've had other worries.
Ah.
The fact is, I owe some money.
I... I have been foolish.
There are bills, not tradesmen
that are pressing.
I paid your dressmaker's
bill for you last October.
But if you owe Madame Celeste
another thousand dollars
she may send me your account.
I owe a good deal more
than a thousand dollars.
A good deal more?
To whom? Do I know these people?
Some by name
others by reputation.
Then they are of no consequence.
These debts that I speak of
are different.
The fact is, I've been playing
cards a good deal.
It's true, then.
You play cards for money.
Do you play on Sundays?
You are hard on me, Aunt Julia.
I've never really liked cards
and one hates to seem priggish
and one drifts into doing
what others do.
I have had a dreadful lesson.
If you help me out this time
I promise -
You need make any promises.
It's unnecessary.
I offered you a home, I didn't
undertake to pay gambling debts.
You don't mean to say
that you won't help me?
I'll not give the impression
I countenance your behaviour.
Aunt Julia, I will be disgraced!
I consider
that you ARE disgraced, Lily.
And now I must ask you to leave me.
This scene has been
extremely painful to me
and I have my own health to consider.
Tell Jennings I'll see no one
until tomorrow afternoon.
- And then only Grace Stepney.
- Grace!
Yes, Aunt Julia.
I don't care.
I couldn't go to my room.
I hate it so.
Lily, what has happened?
Can't you tell me?
I thought that I could manage
my own life
but I have been foolish, Grace.
Foolish to the point
of being compromised.
By whom? Mr Selden?
No, not Mr Selden.
I have been careless
and imprudent about money.
I am frightened to think what I owe.
Grace, you know Lawrence.
If I asked him to help me
told him why
would he loathe me
if I told him everything?
No, you must not do that.
He is like other men.
They have minds like moral flypaper.
They can forgive a woman
almost anything
except the loss of her good name.
If you wish to keep
your reputation intact, Lily
tell him nothing.
But he must have spoken to you
about me.
What does he really think of me?
We have never discussed you, Lily.
I have no idea what Mr Selden thinks.
But I must trust in his good faith.
I will write to him
and ask him to come.
- Good night, Grace.
- Good night, Lily.
Lawrence!
Lawrence!
Jennings, is my aunt downstairs?
No, Miss Bart.
Mrs Peniston left for Richfield
early today, with Miss Stepney.
Oh. Thank you.
Would you have this sent at once
to Mr Selden at the Benedick?
Yes, miss.
Serve tea at four in the sitting
room and show Mr Selden in.
- Yes, Miss Bart.
- Thank you.
Mr Rosedale.
Pretty well done.
Yes, very well done.
Why do you put up this kind of bluff?
Why aren't you straight with me?
I know that there have been
times when you've been worried.
A girl like you
shouldn't have worries.
You are quite right, Mr Rosedale.
I have had worries.
I have been careless about money.
I'm offering you the chance
to turn your back on those forever.
I know you're not in love with me.
You're not even fond of me. Yet.
I am very much flattered
by your offer.
But I should be selfish
and ungrateful
if the reason for accepting
your generosity was financial.
Miss Bart, I generally
get what I want in life.
I've attained a social position
and I have the means to maintain it.
Now all I want is the woman
the right woman
to share both with me.
Now I know you have a fondness
for luxury and amusement
and to not have to settle for it.
I can provide the style
and the means of settling.
You are mistaken
on one point, Mr Rosedale.
Whatever I enjoy
I am prepared to pay for.
I have spoken too plainly.
I didn't mean to give offence.
You must give me time
to consider your kindness.
Goodbye, Miss Bart.
You will consider my proposal?
Of course.
Yes?
'Are you alone, Lily? '
Yes, quite alone, Bertha.
Everyone has gone away.
My aunt to Richfield
everyone else to Europe.
'Except Lawrence Selden
who's gone to London.'
How unsophisticated of him.
'Will you join us
on a cruise to the Mediterranean? '
Well, I'm not sure that I'm able to.
'You'll be doing me a service
you're so attentive to George
'listening to his old stories.
'You alone have the fortitude
to take interest.'
Nonsense, George can be charming.
'Good. You'll come, then? '
Yes, it'll be delightful. Goodbye.
- Mr Selden.
- Mrs Fisher.
Do join us.
What brings you to Monte Carlo?
I finished my business in London
so I decided to come and renew
my objective interest in life.
You are not so removed
from being manipulated
by the strings of society
as one might think.
Mrs Fisher, none of us are.
We're starving to death because
we can't decide where to lunch.
Of course one gets the best things
at 'The Terrasse'
but all the Americans go there now.
I do believe the Dorsets are back.
It's their yacht -
The Sabrina. Oh yes.
"Je fais souvent
ce rve trange et pntrant
"d'une femme inconnue
et que j'aime, et qui m'aime
"et qui n'est, chaque fois
ni tout fait la mme.
"Ni tout fait une autre
et m'aime et me comprend
"car elle me comprend
et mon coeur, transparent.
"Pour elle seule, hlas!
Cesse d'tre un problme
"pour elle seule, et les
moiteurs de mon front blme.
"Elle seule les sait rafrachir
en pleurant.
"Est-elle brune, blonde
ou rousse? Je I'ignore..."
He's reading Verlaine to her now.
In French!
Well
what's the use of mincing matters?
We all know what Bertha
brought Lily abroad for.
The Silverton affair
is at the acute stage.
It's necessary that George
be distracted, surely Lily does it.
A clever woman would know
just when to play her cards right
but Lily's never been very clever
in that way.
I do hope there hasn't been a row.
Where the devil are they?
Bertha! Bertha!
How was London, Mr Selden?
More agreeable than New York?
In some ways, yes. Nevertheless
I stopped over to see you.
To see me? Or to see an older friend?
I beg you to leave the yacht.
To leave? What do you mean?
What has happened?
Nothing. But if something should
why be in the way of it?
How would you think
that I would leave Bertha?
You have yourself to think of
you know.
Nothing will happen.
Of course not. I'm sure.
- Have you seen Bertha?
- No, is she not up yet?
Not up yet! Has she gone to bed?
Do you know what time
she came aboard this morning?
- At seven!
- Seven? Was there an accident?
There was no accident.
I waited for them all night.
Why didn't you call me
to share your vigil?
You would not have cared
for the denouement.
The denouement? Isn't that too
big a word for a small incident?
DON'T!
Don't.
I only want to help you.
You do so by being sweet
and patient with me
but you can't want
to see me ridiculous.
If it hadn't been for you
I'd have ended it long ago.
- I'll go to see Selden.
- No!
- No.
- Why not?
One lawyer will do
just as well as another.
Very well, go and see Mr Selden then.
You should have time before dinner.
I suppose I ought
to say good morning.
I tried to see you
but you weren't up.
No, I got to bed late.
After we separated during the fte
we thought we should wait
but we missed you.
You missed us?
But I thought you didn't return
until this morning?
- Who told you that?
- George.
Is that his version?
Poor George.
He's had one of his attacks again.
It is very bad for him to be worried.
Whenever anything upsetting happens
it brings on an attack.
Anything 'upsetting'?
Yes. Such as having you
on his hands during the small hours.
You know, my dear
you're rather a responsibility
in such a scandalous place
after midnight.
Well, really, considering
you left him the responsibility.
A married man shouldn't be seen alone
with a single woman.
Yes, we were alone.
Is that so dreadful?
After all, we lost you
as much as you mislaid us.
Oh, so now it is my fault
for not having the cleverness
to find you in that dreadful crowd?
Or the imagination to believe
that you wouldn't wait for us
on the quay until we met you?
No, simply by us all
keeping together!
Keeping together?
You are not a child
to be led by the hand.
Nor to be lectured, Bertha.
Lecture you?
Heaven forbid.
I was merely trying
to give you a friendly hint.
But usually
it's the other way around, isn't it?
I'm expected to take hints
not to give them.
Hints? From me to you?
Negative ones merely.
What not to be, or to do, or to see.
But my dear
if you will let me say so
I didn't understand
that one of my negative duties
was not to warn you when you
carried your imprudence too far.
- Did you see George today?
- Yes.
Well? What happened?
What will happen?
Nothing, as yet. And nothing
in the future, I think.
You're sure?
I'm not sure, but I'm
a good deal surer. No, thank you.
Assume everything is as usual.
Before I go
I want to leave you the Brys.
It is charming of you to remember me.
You mean you've snubbed them
and you know they know it.
Carry!
If you'd had them invited
to The Sabrina once.
Especially when royalty was coming.
Stay over and I'll get the Duchess
to dine with them.
I shan't stay over.
The Gormers have paid
for my salon-lit, I leave tonight.
But get the Duchess
to dine with them all the same.
They'd be much obliged.
Do you sing? Really?
Come on, Lily, if you're going back
to the yacht.
Miss Bart is not returning
to the yacht.
Bertha...
Miss Bart, there has been
some misunderstanding.
Some mistake.
Miss Bart remains here.
And I think we had better not
detain our guests any longer.
I have some business to attend to
and it is easier for me
to remain ashore for the night.
Mr Selden, you promised
to see me to my cab.
Do you know of a quiet hotel?
That you can go to alone? Lmpossible.
- There must be someone.
- At this hour?
- If you had only listened!
- Not now.
You must go immediately
to the Stepneys'.
You mustn't ask me to.
You don't know Gwen.
Come, you must appear
to have gone there directly.
- What if she refuses?
- She won't. Trust me.
"I, Julia Grace Peniston
"being of sound mind and body
"declare this
to be my last will and testament
"hereby revoking
and declaring utterly void
"all wills and clauses
of wills heretofore made by me.
"It is my will and desire that
after my death
"all my just debts to whomsoever
"shall be paid by my executives
herein after named.
"Second, it is my will and desire..."
'Lily will get everything
of course.'
'Aunt Julia
was always a just woman.'
'Well, it's only
about four hundred thousand.'
"...Eight, and to my niece
Miss Lily Bart
"I bequeath the sum
of ten thousand dollars.
"Nine, and the residue of my estate
"I bequeath to my dear niece
and namesake, Grace Julia Stepney.
"Given under my hand and seal
22nd of May, 1906."
My dear Grace... I am so glad.
- What sweet shall we have?
- Lily!
My dear, you wouldn't
have the head waiter see
I've nothing to live on
but Aunt Julia's legacy?
Think of Bertha Dorset's satisfaction
to find us lunching
on cold mutton and tea.
I was horrid to you
in Monte Carlo, Lily.
I'm thoroughly ashamed of myself.
I've wanted to tell you ever since -
that's the truth.
Well, what is truth?
Where a woman is concerned, it's
a story that's easiest to believe.
If I'd gotten the money
no one would dare ignore me.
If they did, it wouldn't matter
I'd be independent of them.
Oh, Lily. It's so unjust.
Grace must feel she has
no right to that inheritance.
Anyone who could please Aunt Julia
has a right to her money.
- But she was devoted to you.
- Be honest, Carry.
She disapproved
of my going with the Dorsets
and she heard of my break with them.
After all, Bertha did turn me off
the yacht.
I must know where I stand, Carry.
I must know what is being said of me.
I don't listen.
One hears such things
without listening.
- Good afternoon, Mrs Fisher.
- Carry, how delightful to see you.
- How delightful, Judy.
- Oh... Lily.
What a pleasure
it is to see you.
- Gus!
- Miss Bart.
I must see the head waiter, Judy.
Where Judy leads
all the world will follow.
Not your real friends.
Meanwhile, what do you say
to putting a few things in a trunk
and spending the summer
with me and the Gormers?
To take me out
of my FRIENDS' way, you mean?
To keep you away till they
see how much they miss you.
Besides, the Gormers have taken
a tremendous fancy to you.
Oh, I know they're not quite
your set, a social Coney Island
but anyone is welcome who makes
noise and doesn't put on airs.
Yes, I shall come.
Well, what shall it be?
Coup Jacques or pches la melba?
The more I think of getting you here
the better I like it.
More noise, more colour
more slap-dash sociability.
But greater good nature, too.
Less rivalry.
Yes, it's true.
Soon everybody will be leaving
for Newport and Bar Harbor
and Long Island.
And me to a hotel
in broiling New York.
Lily, you must marry.
As soon as you can.
Do you mean to recommend me
to a good man's love?
No, I don't think either of
my candidates fit that description.
Either? There are actually two?
Well, perhaps I ought
to say one and a half.
Other things being equal, I think
I should prefer half a husband.
- Who is he?
- George Dorset.
- Oh!
- Wait till you hear my reasons.
Since leaving Europe
things have been going badly.
Bertha has tested
even George's credulity.
They're at home now
but I think the end will come soon.
The end will never come.
Bertha will always get him back
exactly when she wants him.
Oh, Lily. He wouldn't stay
with her ten minutes if he knew.
Knew?
If he had positive proof, I mean.
Please, Carry, let us drop
the subject. It's too odious to me.
And the second candidate?
We mustn't forget him.
Sim Rosedale.
I think, Carry
I should like to go for a walk.
Miss Bart.
I've been hoping to meet you.
I should have written if I'd dared.
- I wanted to apologise.
- Don't let us speak of it.
- I was very sorry for you.
- You must let me explain.
- I was deceived.
- I am more sorry for you, then.
But you must see that
I am not exactly the person
with whom this subject
can be discussed.
Why not? It's you of all people
I owe an explanation to.
No explanation is necessary.
The situation was
perfectly clear to me.
Miss Bart, don't turn away from me.
You must understand that
after everything that happened
we cannot be friends again.
Wasn't I punished enough at the time?
Is there to be no respite?
I should have thought
you had complete respite
in the reconciliation
which was affected at my expense.
Don't put it that way.
All I ask you to understand
is that...
after the use that Bertha made of me
after all that her behaviour
has since implied
it is impossible
that you and I should meet.
Please help me.
I am sorry.
There is nothing I can do.
You must have other friends
other advisors.
I never had a friend like you.
Besides, you're the only person
who knows.
After all
you were there in Monte Carlo.
You are mistaken.
I saw nothing.
I know nothing.
Just say what you know and the way
will be clear for us both.
I know nothing.
You're sacrificing both of us.
I know nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Who's gonna get you?
Come along. You ought to be in bed.
Yes, Mother.
- Good night, Miss Bart.
- Good night, Edith.
Where are the others?
I am your only fellow guest
Miss Lily.
I think Carry
was trying to be subtle.
- You look tired.
- I've been sleeping badly.
In fact, I came especially
to see you. On a delicate matter.
I hope you can believe that.
Thank you, Mr Rosedale
I do believe what you say.
And I am ready to marry you
whenever you wish.
- But, Miss Lily...
- For I suppose you do wish it.
And though I was unable
to consent when last we spoke
I am ready, now that
I know you so much better
to entrust my happiness
to your hands.
My dear Miss Lily
it seemed my suit was so hopeless
that I really had no intention
of renewing it.
I have no one to blame but myself
if I gave you the impression
that my decision was final.
Before we bid each other goodbye
I want to thank you for once
having thought of me as you did.
Why do you talk of saying goodbye?
Can't we still be good friends
all the same?
What is your idea
of being good friends?
Seeing me without asking me
to marry you?
Well, that's about the size of it.
I like your frankness
but I'm afraid our friendship
cannot continue on those terms.
Miss Lily, what I mean...
Is that I'm not as desirable
a match as once you thought me.
Yes, that's what I do mean.
I don't believe the stories about you
but that won't alter the situation.
If they're untrue
doesn't that alter it?
You know as well as I do
last year you wouldn't look at me.
Now you appear willing to do so.
What's changed in the interval?
Your situation.
Then, you thought
you could do better.
You think you can?
Yes, I do. I've done very well.
Wall Street is under obligations
that only 5th Avenue can repay.
I know the quickest way to queer
oneself with the right people
is to be seen with the wrong ones.
- I want to avoid mistakes.
- I understand.
Goodbye, Mr Rosedale.
Why don't you use
those letters of hers?
Don't ask me how I know
you bought them. I know.
And I don't suppose
you bought those letters
simply because you
wanted to collect autographs.
You see, I know where you stand.
You have Bertha in your power.
You wish to be rehabilitated
socially
AND you have the means
of your redemption.
In a deal like this, nobody comes
out with perfectly clean hands.
If you're going to fight Bertha
don't inflict an open injury.
Reduce it to a private transaction.
- Give and take, you mean?
- Yes.
- As in business.
- Or politics.
You see how simple it is?
There's no point
frightening Bertha into line.
You have to keep her there.
That's my part of the business.
That's what I'm offering you.
To reconcile with Bertha
and then you will marry me?
What do you say, Miss Lily?
You are mistaken in the facts
and what you infer from them!
Well, I'll be damned.
I suppose it's because
the letters are to him?
I thought we understood each other?
We do now.
Come in.
It's such a blessing
to have a quiet few weeks here.
Thank you for inviting me here
Carry.
- I do love it in Tuxedo.
- Yes.
It's a pleasant house.
One of my few treasured possessions.
How are the Brys?
Louisa Bry is a stern taskmaster.
Love making people jealous
is nothing to social ambition.
By the way, I had a visit
from Mattie Gormer the other day.
She was with Bertha Dorset
of all people.
No doubt the rabbit always thinks
it is fascinating the anaconda.
Now they're fast friends, Mattie
will sacrifice anything for her.
Including me?
My dear...
the world is vile.
- Lily.
- Mrs Hatch, I'm not dressed!
It doesn't matter. This is the
20th century, not the dark ages.
Eat, then come to my rooms.
We must go through my schedule.
I'm leaving in 20 minutes
so please be quick.
I cannot find my
prescription. Do you have it?
You usually leave them
on your bureau, Mrs Hatch.
Of course. Get it filled
for me today, Lily.
Without chloral at night
I never sleep.
And I have to see my beauty
doctor today to face society.
The manicure will have to wait
until tomorrow, put her off.
Don't look sour, Lily
she won't mind. She never minds.
After lunch, it's Sherry's for tea.
This evening is bridge
with my lawyer. Eight, I think.
I'll go for my fitting tomorrow
but the exhibition is at four.
Then supper... No, the theatre first
and then supper.
With so many changes, how shall
I keep your diary accurately?
Engagements are made to be broken
especially with tradespeople.
- They expect it.
- Yes, Mrs Hatch.
Friday I'm dining with Melville
Stancy and, er... the Gormers.
Yes, Mrs Hatch.
Don't forget my prescription, Lily.
It's on the bureau.
Mrs Fisher was anxious to know
how you were getting on.
Why didn't she look me up
herself, then?
She was afraid of being importunate.
You see, no such scruples
restrained me.
Then you have come
to be of some use to me?
- Yes.
- So what am I to do with you?
You could talk things over with me.
What makes you think
that I have anything to talk about?
My initiative doesn't go beyond
putting myself at your disposal.
I shouldn't have come if
I had thought I could be of no use.
- Do you know where you are?
- Of course I know where I am!
You must let me
take you away from here.
If you've come to speak
disagreeably about Mrs Hatch...
It's your relationship
that concerns me.
That relationship is one that
I have no reason to be ashamed of!
She has helped me when old friends
were content to see me starve.
Nonsense! Starvation
is not the only alternative.
I know your aunt's legacy
could make you independent.
What you don't know is that
I owe every penny of that legacy!
Good God.
Every penny, and more besides.
I have no money
except my small income
and I need to earn money
in order to keep myself alive.
I should be happier to see you out
of this particular employment.
But I should not.
I simply wish to point out the false
position you have placed yourself in.
I suppose by that you mean
my being on the outside of society.
But I have long been excluded
from it.
You once said only the insiders
took the difference seriously.
Mrs Hatch's desire to be inside
may put you in the position
I call false.
You cannot want this!
You've already told me
the sole object of my upbringing
was to teach me to get what I want.
Now, why not assume that that is
precisely what I am doing now?
I have never thought of you
as a successful example
of that kind of upbringing.
Well, give me more time.
I may still do credit to my training.
That was undignified.
Where does dignity end
and rectitude begin?
- Good day, Miss Bart.
- Good day, Mr Selden.
She got five dollars
and her picture in the paper.
The hat? She got that yesterday.
The one with the green paradise.
It'll be ready right off.
Madame asked me
to alter that Virot hat.
You know, she's tall, slight
but her hair's all frizzed out.
A lot like Mary Leach. Only thinner.
Miss Bart.
Look at these spangles.
Every one of 'em sewed on crooked.
I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm not well.
If you can't do better
I'll give the hat to Miss Kilroy.
Go back to binding edges.
Miss Bart.
I must draw your attention
to the fact
that your work is poor
and your attendance irregular.
Miss Haines is right.
I am clumsy and slow to learn.
I have been indisposed lately.
But I will try to improve.
It's too late for that - I took you
on as a favour to Mrs Fisher
but against my better judgement.
As the season is nearly over I
have to dispense with your services.
I trust you'll find a position
more suited to your skills.
Thank you.
How are you, Grace?
Her memory is everywhere.
The whole house.
And you, Lily? How are you?
You look dreadfully tired.
I don't sleep at night.
Since when?
I don't...
I can't remember.
There are other worries.
Dreadful things.
What things?
Poverty.
I can't think
of anything worse, can you?
I can't go on this way much longer.
Do you have any idea
when the legacies will be paid?
No, Lily.
No one has received them yet.
Not even me.
The truth is, I need money, Grace.
Would you be willing to lend me
the amount of my legacy?
You must be patient.
Remember how beautifully patient
Aunt Julia always was.
But you will get everything, Grace.
It would be so easy for you to borrow
ten times the amount I am asking for.
Borrow?
I am at the end of my tether.
You imagine for a moment
that I would raise money
upon my expectations from Aunt Julia?
Why, Lily
if you must know the truth
it was the idea of your being in debt
that brought on her last illness.
You won't help me, then?
If I can do anything to make you
realise the folly of your course...
and how deeply
she disapproved of it...
I shall feel it's the truest way
of making up to you for her loss.
Thank you, Grace.
It was good of you to see me.
Goodbye.
Can I help?
Mrs Hatch?
You mustn't increase
the dose, Mrs Hatch.
Of course not.
Miss Lily?
What's the matter?
I'm a little tired. It's nothing.
Stay with me a moment, please.
We can't stay here. Let me take
you to the Longworth for some tea.
Take your tea strong.
I haven't seen you in ages.
I-I wondered what had become of you.
I have joined the working classes.
I was trying to learn
to become a milliner.
- You can't be serious.
- Perfectly serious.
I understood that
you were with Mrs Hatch.
She dismissed me two months ago.
After she gotten into society
it seems my reputation had become
a social liability.
Since then I have been
obliged to work for my living.
Well, that wasn't for you anyhow.
- I must go.
- No, no. Rest a little longer.
What did you mean when you said
you were becoming a milliner?
Just what I said. I am an apprentice
at Madame Regina's.
I was an apprentice
at Madame Regina's.
But I understood that you had
received a legacy from your aunt.
Ten thousand dollars.
But it isn't paid until spring
and anyway, I owe it already.
- The whole ten thousand?
- Every penny.
I think Gus Trenor spoke to you once
about having made me some money
in stocks.
He made me
about nine thousand dollars.
I knew nothing about business.
I thought that he had invested
my own money.
In fact, what he had made
he had given me.
It was meant in kindness
but it was not the sort of
obligation I could remain under.
I was incredibly stupid.
I spent the money
before I realised my mistake.
And so my aunt's legacy
must go to pay it back.
That is why... That is why
I must now work.
That will clean you out altogether.
Altogether. Yes.
Miss Lily, if you want my backing...
Thank you.
Your tea has been
a tremendous backing.
I feel equal to anything now.
- Surely this isn't the place?
- Yes, I room and board here.
I have lived too long on my friends.
You can't go on living here.
I have gone over my expenses
very carefully
and I rather think
that I shall be able to manage it.
- That's not what I mean.
- It is what I mean.
I shall be out of work now.
What a way for you to talk.
You, in a place like this.
My situation is nothing exceptional.
But you are!
It's an outrage.
Look here - it's none of my business
but you must accept help
from somebody.
You spoke to me
of your debt to Gus Trenor.
Well, I'll lend you the money
to pay him. Let me finish.
It'll be purely
a business arrangement.
How can you have
anything against that?
Only this - that is exactly
what Gus Trenor proposed.
Once the debt is paid
I shall have no security.
I have been compromised once
I cannot be so again.
I am very grateful for your kindness
but it is impossible.
You must see that.
We must try to think of your future.
If you only knew what
little difference that makes now.
At least let me tell Selden
where you're living.
- It will do no good.
- Please.
Very well.
You may tell him if you wish.
If only you would let me help you
you could wipe your feet on them.
'Why don't you use
the letters?
'Lt would be so simple.
'Lt IS so simple.'
Here today I will tell you
about the plight
of the poor people
of Russia under the Tsar!
Please inform Mrs Dorset that Miss
Lily Bart wishes to speak with her.
Mrs Dorset is not at home, Miss Bart.
Then I should like
to speak with Mr Dorset.
I'm sorry, but the Mr and Mrs Dorset
left for the country two days ago.
Oh.
Shall I take a message?
No. No message.
I can recommend the armchair.
I came to say that I am sorry
for the way we parted.
For what I said to you
that day at Mrs Hatch's.
I was sorry, too.
You look tired.
Do sit down.
Why, you're drenched.
Let me make you some tea.
No. I must go in a moment.
I must go.
I may not see you
again for a long time
and I wanted to tell you
that I have never forgotten
the things that you
said to me at Bellomont.
That they have helped keep me
from becoming the person
that many people thought me to be.
I'm glad. But nothing I have said
has made the difference.
The difference is in yourself.
No, don't say that.
That is all that I have lived on.
Don't take that from me.
We resist the great temptations
but it is the little ones
that eventually pull us down.
I remember your saying that
such a life could never satisfy me
and I was ashamed to admit
that it could.
That is what I wanted
to thank you for.
I have tried. I have tried hard.
But life is difficult
and I am a useless person.
And now I am on the rubbish heap.
Lily...
can I help you?
You told me once that you could
help me only by loving me.
Well, you did love me
for a moment, and it helped me.
But that moment is gone.
And I let it go.
And one must go on living.
Lily, you mustn't speak in this way.
Things may change, but...
you could never go out of my life.
Let us be friends.
Then I shall feel safe
whatever happens.
What do you mean?
What's going to happen?
Nothing. Nothing is going to happen.
But I should like some tea now.
Goodbye, Lawrence.
Ten thousand dollars.
Ten... thousand dollars.
Oh, Lily!
Lily.
Miss Bart?
It's a great mercy.
May I... May I see her... alone?
Will it take long?
It won't take long.
Lily.
Oh, Lily.
I love you.